At last, a compromise having been effected, the horses were gotten fairly under way, and had attained considerable headway, but broaching to, the Señora was dismounted, and regaining her feet, made an exit with more speed than grace, and the performance was announced--concluded. But upon taking a peep, after the audience had retired, I saw one of the ponies, mounted by a Manilla man, running the gauntlet of four long whips around the ring, and felt certain his rider could not have enjoyed much pleasure from the act, for every now and then he caught a lash intended for the horse, and if the other naughty pony had to come in for a like portion, expect he had another rider.
An early drive--Visit to Churches--The Cathedral--Description --Reflections--Church of the Binondo Quarter--The Dead Child --Baptism--Life's Entrances and Exit--Ceremony of taking the Veil--Poor Maraquita--An Episode--Don Cæsar de Bazan--Interior of the Convent--Interview with the Lady Superior--Interchange of compliments--Spanish Courtesy--An admission.
Sunday morning, took an early drive upon one of the beautiful roads that penetrate the interior of this fruitful island, and returned with a keen appetite for breakfast; this dispatched, drove with a party to visit the churches.
Went first within the walls to the Cathedral. Mass was over, and they were about to close the church. Had an opportunity, however, to obtain a hasty look at its interior.
It is very spacious and very grand, the roof supported by pillars about twelve feet in thickness. No galleries.
The principal altar was quite imposing, and upon it, plate of considerable value was exposed.
There are also other altars, and a number of chapels inclosed.
A full length figure of our Saviour, after His Descent from the Cross, is extended in a glass case beneath one of the altars, exciting grateful emotion for that love which caused Him to lay down His life for man, but not a proper subject, in my opinion, for exhibition.
The divine mission of Christ, its object, His self-humiliation, denials, struggles, sufferings and sacrifice, cannot be too often presented to our minds, nor too eloquently told. His Gospel cannot lose by repetition, and His life should be our grand exemplar! But the image of the Incarnate Godhead should never be associated with the waxen figure of a revolting corpse, nor should the hand of the creature, however skilful, attempt the presentment of the Great Creator. If Christ took upon Himself to become man, after He had performed His mission, and laid aside the form which He had assumed in which to perform the work of eternity, His carnal attributes should be swallowed up in the glory of His Being, and the mind should be taught to look up from the humiliation of the grave, and follow, with awe, the hand that rent the vail of the Temple in twain, up to the mercy seat, whence he ascended to plead for his murderers!
